amo, but
feel assured the crisis is at hand; some excitement has prevailed in
the garrison all day, and it is confidently expected in our camp that
the assault will soon be made."

"Oh! may God help you in the coming strife, and adjudge victory to the
side of justice and liberty."

"Apparently the chances are against us, Miss Irving; yet I regard the
future without apprehension, for the Texans are fearless, and General
Burleson in every respect worthy the confidence reposed in him. Allow
gloomy forebodings no room in your heart, but, like myself anticipate
a speedy termination of the war."

"Yet your situation is perilous in the extreme; hourly you incur
danger, and each day may be your last. Oh! why will you hazard your
life, and cause your sister such bitter anguish?" Mary replied, with
quivering lips, while the tone faltered, despite her efforts to seem
calm.

"At least, I could not die in a better cause; and, as the price of
independence, I would willingly yield up my life. Yet Ellen's tears
are difficult to bear; I bade her adieu a few moments since, and must
not meet her again till all is decided. So good-by, Miss Irving."

He held her hand in his, pressing it warmly, then lifted the cold
fingers to his lips, and quietly turned away.

CHAPTER XX.

"It rains--what lady loves a rainy day?
She loves a rainy day who sweeps the hearth,
And threads the busy needle, or applies
The scissors to the torn or threadbare sleeve;
And blesses God that she has friends and home."

ANON.

"Mary, where is your cousin? I have not seen her since breakfast,"
inquired Mrs. Carlton, as the two friends sat conversing in the
chamber of the latter.

"She laid aside her book just now, declaring it was so dark she
could scarcely read. This gloomy day has infected her spirits; she is
probably in the dining-room. I will seek her." And rising, Mary left
the apartment.

For two days the rain had fallen in torrents, and now on the third
morning, the heavens were still overcast, and at intervals of every
few moments the heavy clouds discharged themselves in copious showers.
The despondency induced by the unsettled times was enhanced by the
gloomy weather, and many an earnest wish was expressed that sunshine
would soon smile again upon the town.

Weary with pacing up and down the dining-room, Florence had stationed
herself at the window, and stood with her cheek pressed against the
panes, gazing dreamily out up